Xylitol-containing non-human foodstuff and method

ABSTRACT

A pet foodstuff and treatment method for reducing the incidence of dental caries in non-human animals is provided. The treatment method includes orally administering the xylitol by allowing the pet to consume the xylitol-containing foodstuff in an effective amount. The pet foodstuff is composed of an effective amount of xylitol and an edible pet food. The xylitol may be present as a coating or in bulk.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/346,822,filed Jul. 2, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,508, issued Dec. 12, 2000,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/767,001,filed Dec. 19, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,604, issued Nov. 23, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to edible pet foodstuff for dental cariesprevention. The invention also relates to a process of preparing suchedible pet foodstuff.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dental plaque acids, produced by Streptococcus mutans and otheracidogenic bacteria in an animal's mouth, are responsible for theformation and exacerbation of dental caries and the occurrence ofmalodorous breath in animals.

It is believed that recently dental caries and malodorous breath havebecome more prevalent in pets. While not wishing to be bound by theory,it is believed that certain additives or materials in pet food may beresponsible at least in part.

A need exists for a pet foodstuff and a treatment method for treatingpet's gums and teeth to reduce the incidence of caries and to controlmalodorous breath in pets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered thatthe incidence of caries in pets can be reduced by placing xylitol incontact with a pet's gums and teeth.

In one aspect, this invention provides a range of materials containingvarious xylitol mixtures to place the xylitol into contact with ananimal's teeth for the longest period of time possible. By doing so,xylitol reduces dental plaque acids and inhibits the growth of S.mutans, and other acidogenic bacteria responsible for the formation andexacerbation of dental caries in dogs, cats, horses, pets and other showanimals. Another objective is to provide a dry biscuit or treat type offood that synergistically operates with the xylitol to lessen theincidence of dental plaque or tartar by chewing the dry biscuitmaterial.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a process isprovided for preparing dry, solid animal food in biscuit or treat formwith a topical additive onto which the xylitol combination is sprayed,brushed or dipped thereby permitting the topical coating to remain onthe outside of the biscuit or treat but firmly adhered thereto. Thiswill increase the time the xylitol combination is placed in directcontact with the animal's teeth increasing the time xylitol will affectany S. mutans present in the mouth. Another objective of the inventionis to provide a means of controlling malodorous breath, especially indogs and cats, by increasing salivation. Another objective of theinvention is to prepare a xylitol-containing gel that can be placeddirectly onto the animal's teeth. A further objective of this inventionis to provide a powder to be placed in the animal's drinking water toprovide further protection from plaque acids by increasing the contactof xylitol with the animal's teeth over the period of a day. This isespecially important for “free feeders,” that is, animals whichcontinuously feed throughout the day and are not amenable to being fedthe xylitol-containing biscuits after scheduled meals.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a process isprovided of preparing a chew rawhide with a topically applied and/orimpregnated xylitol-containing mixture. The goal is to maximize exposureduring the day of the xylitol-containing mixture to be in direct contactwith the animal's teeth.

All of the above applications of the invention taken together furtherdescribe another aspect of the invention, that is, this is acomprehensive delivery system of placing xylitol in contact with theanimal's teeth for the greatest period of time during the day.

In one aspect, the invention permits the use of a comprehensive methodof exposing the animal's teeth to the xylitol product. As stated above,this is accomplished using a variety of delivery materials, that is,topically coated biscuits and treats, topically coated or impregnatedrawhide chew bones or toys, “sandwich” style or “pocket” biscuits ortreats, a powder soluble in water, and a topical gel application.

The “sandwich” or “pocket” style biscuits or treats are made in such away that the xylitol mixture is layered using a special process betweenflat biscuits to create a biscuit that serves a dual purpose of reducingtartar or plaque by the action of chewing against the teeth, and torelease the xylitol mixture slowly after the “chewing” action isaccomplished.

In one aspect of the invention, novel dog biscuits and cat treats areprovided. The farinaceous-based baked biscuits have certain constituentsincluding xylitol suitable for animal consumption, generally food gradexylitol. Xylitol exhibits therapeutic properties for the amelioration ofdental caries and conditions promoting the formation of dental caries. Asuitable adherence material, such as gum arabic (or other suitablevegetable gum) may be present as a separate coating or in a mixture withthe xylitol, for example. When used as a separate coating, the gumarabic is applied to the surface of the biscuit or treat and is allowedto dry or as otherwise required for that particular type of adherentmaterial. This improves the adherence of the xylitol compound to thesurface of the biscuit or treat for greater effectiveness. More than onecoating layer may be used. The amount of xylitol in such coating shouldapproximate one-half gram per biscuit. Generally, the xylitol will beapplied to the surface of the biscuit (or treat) after preparation ofthe biscuit is otherwise completed. When the coated biscuit is consumedby the animal, release of the xylitol product into the animal's mouthand on the teeth is maintained for the longest time. Xylitol added tothe bulk dough before the baking process can be done, but is notpreferred because it does not place the maximum amount of xylitol indirect contact with the animal's teeth, a process important to maximizeeffectiveness.

Another aspect of the invention involves the use of chew toys and bonesor treats. These chew toys are made of rawhide, pigskin (in the form of“roll-ups”) or other suitable material and are either coated with orimpregnated with a xylitol mixture.

Another aspect of the invention involves the use of a water solubleconsumable mouthwash powder mix with xylitol in combination with othersuitable materials such as aloe vera concentrate and/or zinc amino acidchelate designed to be placed into a pet's water bowl to providecontinuous xylitol contact every time the animal drinks water.

Another aspect of the invention involves the use of a topical gelcontaining a xylitol, lactitol, and HSH (hydrogenated starch hydrolyzatesyrup) mixture. This is applied directly to an animal's teeth especiallyduring periods when the animal is not likely to be fed.

The term “dog biscuit” as used herein means a biscuit for a dog that isbaked or otherwise processed to form a biscuit. These dog biscuits canbe made from any suitable dough or other starting material. One suchadvantageous combination is a biscuit made from a dough consisting ofwhole wheat flour, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, edible bone meal, chickenbroth, canola oil, and whole egg. There is a deliberate method to usingonly natural ingredients in these formulations. Added sugar, corn syrup,any sucrose or fructose product is completely avoided as that couldcompromise the efficacy of the cariostatic and anti-cariogenic effectsof the xylitol compound as described herein.

The term “cat treat” or treat as used herein means a treat for a catthat is baked or otherwise processed to form a treat. These cat treatscan be made from any suitable dough or other starting material. One suchadvantageous combination consists of barley flour, ground chicken, wholeeggs, edible bone meal, rye flour, canola oil, wheat germ, ascorbicacid, taurine, water, chicken or beef broth.

The term “sandwich” as used herein means a pet foodstuff which iscomprised of two biscuits, treats, or other bulk foodstuff which arejoined with a xylitol mixture between the biscuits, treats or otherfoodstuff.

The term “pocket” as used herein means a pet foodstuff which contains axylitol mixture in the center of the pet foodstuff wherein the body ofsuch pet foodstuff has been folded over and sealed to encompass thexylitol center.

The invention compositions of xylitol and xylitol-containing mixturesameliorate the condition of dental caries and malodorous breath inanimals, help heal inflamed gums, and otherwise re-mineralize teeth inwhich the formation of dental caries is incipient. As used incombination of biscuits or treats, powder added to drinking water, chewtoys, freeze dried organ treats (e.g. liver, kidney, dried muscle chewtreats, and gel, all of the products described herein comprise acomprehensive delivery system of xylitol and contribute to the dentalhealth and well-being of animals using the invention. These “xylitoldelivery systems” for pets can incorporate other ingredients thatpromote the health of hard and soft dental tissues. Examples of theseingredients are: zinc compound, parsley, and baking soda (dental malodorcontrol), bone meal (supplies calcium and phosphate ions which promotesre-mineralization of teeth), Coenzyme Q10 (promotes periodontal health),folic acid (vitamin), the following botanicals: aloe vera, comfrey,rosemary, goldenseal, horsetail, arnica, calendula, barley grass,chamomile, bloodroot, siwak-miswak, pullulan, horse chestnut, neem,peelu, propolis, green tea, myrrh, birch bark, white oak bark, tea treeoil, grape seed extract and wheat germ, and the following enzymes:bromelain, papain and quercetin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a xylitol-coated dog biscuit.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the biscuit of FIG. 1 taken alongline 2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thebiscuit with two layers of xylitol coating.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thebiscuit without a xylitol coating.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sandwich dog biscuit.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the biscuit in FIG. 5 taken alongline 6—6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pocket dog biscuit.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the biscuit in FIG. 7 taken alongline 8—8 of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All parts, percentages, ratios and proportions are set forth on a weightbasis in grams unless otherwise stated or otherwise obvious to oneskilled in the art. As used herein, all temperatures are in degreesFahrenheit unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise obvious to oneskilled in the art.

If desired, specific breath freshening agents may be added to any of thebiscuits and treats. Agents such as zinc amino acid chelate, parsley(chlorophyll source) and baking soda may be used for breath freshening.

A. Preparation of the Material

1. Biscuits and Treats

The dog biscuits and cat treats must themselves be thoroughly dry afterbaking. The dog biscuits and cat treats are prepared by brushing,spraying or dipping each of the biscuits or treats with a xylitol andgum arabic mixture to coat the material. All such products arethoroughly dried either by heat or evaporation in a humidity controlledenvironment. The gum arabic and xylitol mixture gives the product acoating permitting the xylitol a greater ability to adhere to theoutside of the biscuit or treat without penetrating or affecting theunderlying material. Xylitol should comprise between 0.25% and 2.5% byweight of the total biscuit or treat. If a coating is utilized, thecoating preferably should be between approximately 0.01 and 0.1 inchesthick. The objective is to separate the xylitol compound from thebiscuit or treat so that both may work independently, that is, chewingthe treat will tend to scrape at built up plaque or tartar while theseparate coating of xylitol will come into maximum contact with theanimal's teeth to control S. mutans, bathe the gums, and aid inre-mineralization of certain dental caries.

2. Sandwich Biscuits/Treats and Pocket Biscuits

In sandwich or pocket biscuits or treats, xylitol should be present inan amount from about 0.25% to 2.5% by total weight of the item.

a. Sandwich Biscuits/Treats for Dogs and Cats

Preferably, sandwich biscuits/treats for dogs and cats are generallyflat, although they can be of any desired shape and usually are composedof two opposed outer biscuit/treat pieces, usually labeled, and joinedtogether with a xylitol-containing layer “sandwiched” between the twoflat layers, appearing much the same as a cookie with a cream filling.This filling or layer can be the same for both dogs and cats andconsists of, for example: powdered or granulated food grade xylitol, gumarabic, beef broth, chicken broth or distilled water, lecithin, CoenzymeQ10, folic acid, aloe vera, comfrey, rosemary, goldenseal, horsetail,arnica, calendula, barley grass, chamomile, bloodroot, siwak-miswak,pullulan, horse chestnut, neem, peelu, propolis, green tea, myrrh, birchbark, white oak bark, tea tree oil, grape seed extract, wheat germ,bromelain, papain and quercetin. If necessary, water may be added as adiluant. The xylitol-containing layer should contain material formaintaining the outer biscuit/treat layers together.

The sandwich biscuit for dogs usually will be made from a dough.Preferably the dough will contain all-natural ingredients and caninclude whole wheat flour, buckwheat, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, cornmeal, edible bone meal, chicken broth, canola oil, and whole egg. Theflours used (e.g., whole wheat, barley, soy, corn, rye, buckwheat,potato, rice, etc.) can be varied to accommodate allergic reactions thepet may have to one or more of the above ingredients. Any suitable doughcomposition can be utilized. In one embodiment, the sandwich treat forcats consists of dough containing all-natural ingredients: one or moreflours (e.g., barley, whole wheat flour, corn meal, rye flour, soyflour, etc.), ground chicken, whole eggs, edible bone meal, canola oil,wheat germ, ascorbic acid, taurine, water, chicken or beef broth. Thecombination of flour may consist of one or more of the specified floursdepending on the allergic reaction of the animal. Other flourcombinations or a single flour ingredient may be substituted. The doughmixture for either biscuits or treats is rolled flat or otherwise formedinto a flat sheet and may be cut into assorted shapes and sizes. It ispreferable that the portion of the sheets that will be opposed in thesandwich are flat to allow the xylitol-containing layer to be of uniformthickness in the finished sandwich. The individual cut shapes aresuitably baked, such as at approximately 300 degrees for approximately45 minutes and are allowed to thoroughly cool to room temperature. As isknown in the art, the optimum baking temperature and time will depend onvarious factors, including dough composition and thickness, for example.Then the xylitol-containing layer or filling as stated above is appliedin a suitable manner, such as by spreading, for example, on at least oneof the two biscuit/treat layers making up the biscuit/treat. A topbiscuit/treat layer is applied on top of and preferably in substantialregistry with the bottom layer with the xylitol-containing layer orfilling located between the two biscuit/treat layers. If desired the topand bottom biscuit/treat layers can be of the same or different size andshape. Optionally, the assembled biscuits/treats can be dried in ahumidity controlled environment at room temperature (68 to 80 degrees)for at least eight (8) hours until thoroughly dry.

b. Pocket Biscuits

Using a biscuit dough or cat treat dough, the dough is rolled orotherwise formed into a sheet and while still wet the followingingredients are added: powdered xylitol, powdered lactitol and aloevera. The dough is then folded in half and cut into assorted shapescrimping the edges (other than the fold edge when present) of each ofthe shapes to form a closed pocket and then suitably baked, such as atapproximately 300 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. As is known inthe art, the optimum baking temperature and time will depend on variousfactors, including dough composition and thickness, for example. Duringthe baking process the powdered ingredients melt inside the two layersof dough forming a somewhat “sticky” or “tacky” substance that willadhere to the dog's or cat's teeth when they chew the biscuit maximizingthe delivery of xylitol to the teeth and gums. Preferably, when fullybaked, the ingredients within the pocket remain “sticky” or “tacky” atthe time of consumption by a pet.

3. Chews, Bones, Rawhides and Pigskins

Preferably, chews, bones, rawhides and pigskins contain at least about0.25% xylitol by total weight of the item.

One suitable preferred method is hereinafter described. The pigskin ispreferably a flat sheet. One side of the pigskin is coated with powderedxylitol and powdered lactitol. The coated pigskin is heated to make itpliable and is rolled or otherwise formed into a tubular shape. It isthen cooled, usually to room temperature to retain its tubular shape. Ifdesired, the pigskin may be cut into smaller sizes.

Alternatively, a mixture of xylitol, lactitol and HSH (hydrogenatedstarch hydrolyzate syrup) is heated to form a uniform solution. Theresulting solution is applied to preferably one side of the pigskin. Thecoated pigskin is heated to make it pliable and is rolled or otherwiseformed into a tubular shape. It is then cooled, usually to roomtemperature to retain its tubular shape. If desired, the pigskin may becut into smaller sizes.

For the bones, the same ingredients are used as those for the pigskin.The ingredients are heated to form a solution and are introduced intothe bone cavity by any suitable method, including brushing or spraying,and are allowed to cool.

For rawhides, preferably a flat sheet is utilized. Preferably one sideof the rawhide is coated with powdered xylitol, powdered lactitol andHSH (hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate syrup). This rawhide is heated tomake it pliable and is rolled or otherwise formed into a tubular shape.It is then cooled, usually to room temperature to retain its tubularshape. If desired, the rawhide may be cut into smaller sizes.

Alternatively, a mixture of xylitol, lactitol and HSH (hydrogenatedstarch hydrolyzate syrup) is heated to form a uniform solution. Theresulting solution is applied to preferably one side of the pigskin. Thecoated pigskin is heated to make it pliable and is rolled or otherwiseformed into a tubular shape. It is then cooled, usually to roomtemperature to retain its tubular shape. If desired, the pigskin may becut into smaller sizes.

For chews (chew toys, freeze dried organ treats (e.g., liver, kidney,dried muscle chew treats), a xylitol mixture can be made with any numberof compounds, such as xylitol and lactitol and sprayed, brushed ordipped onto the chew toy.

4. Xylitol Powdered Consumable Mouthwash

Consistent with a comprehensive dental delivery system and in an effortto make the xylitol product available to the animal as frequently aspossible, one gram of xylitol is placed into a pet's water bowl to keepxylitol available for distribution to the pet's mouth, teeth and gums.This powder may be in granular or powdered form but must consist of foodgrade xylitol.

Additionally other ingredients (either singly or in combination) may beadded such as aloe vera, zinc amino acid chelate, baking soda or variousbotanicals or enzymes.

A typical formulation for a single serving per cup of water consists ofa range of 2 grams to 4 grams of xylitol, 25 to 75 milligrams of aloevera (a 200:1 concentrate), 1 to 5 milligrams of zinc amino acidchelate. Optionally, 1 to 5 milligrams of baking soda and flavorings maybe added.

5. Xylitol Gel

Three separate xylitol formulae may be used for the Xylitol Gel Productas follows:

(1) Xylitol and lactitol heated together to form a gel. The amounts areto be determined by a ratio of at least 51% xylitol and the balance ismade up of lactitol. (Xylitol at least 51% and lactitol).

(2) Xylitol, lactitol and HSH (hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate syrup)are heated together. Typical proportions are Xylitol fifty percent(50%), Lactitol thirty percent (30%), and HSH twenty percent (20%).

(3) Xylitol and HSH are heated together. Typical proportions mustinclude at least fifty one (51%) percent xylitol and the balance islactitol.

C. Method of Administration

Delivery of xylitol-containing mixture is preferably made as follows:

(1) Feeding a dog biscuit or cat treat immediately after the animal isfed a regularly scheduled meal.

(2) Use of xylitol powder in the animal's water allowing the animalaccess to some concentration of xylitol throughout the day or if theanimal is allowed to “free feed” which means that it has “on demand”feeding as it desires.

(3) Use of chew toys or treats either coated or impregnated with thexylitol mixture. This places xylitol in contact with teeth and gumsduring the period of use.

(4) Application of a topical gel containing xylitol with lactitol and/orHSH which “sticks” to the animal's teeth and gradually bathes the gumsduring the night or during times when the animal is not likely to feedor drink.

D. Effectiveness and Use

Xylitol and xylitol-containing compounds have been the subject ofextensive studies. For best results, from about 0.5 to 5 grams ofxylitol in total should be consumed daily by dogs, and from about 0.25to 3 grams of xylitol in total should be consumed by cats.

Referring to the figures generally, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,there is illustrated a pet foodstuff 10 which in this case is a dogbiscuit, in accordance with the invention. Pet foodstuff 10 is composedof a solid body 12 of baked farinaceous material and xylitol solidcoating 14. Body 12 can be formed by any suitable method and can becomposed of any conventional dog biscuit. For example, body 12 of petfoodstuff 10 can be made from the formulae set forth in Tables I and IIwhich are disclosed for illustrative purposes only, not as a limitationon the present invention.

The present product can be made by any suitable method, such as by firstcooking a pet foodstuff with the following ingredients, and thenapplying a coating containing an effective amount of xylitol.

TABLE I Dog Biscuits 2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour 250 to 400 grams (or othersuitable flour) ½ Cup Buckwheat, rye or 40 to 70 grams a barley flour ½Cup Brewer's Yeast 30 to 50 grams 1 Cup Wheat Germ 80 to 110 grams ½ CupCorn Meal, Potato, Rice 40 to 70 grams or Soy Flour ½ Cup Parsley Flakes0.3 to 0.7 grams ¼ teaspoon edible bone meal 0.5 to 1.2 grams 1¼ CupDistilled Water, Beef 200 to 300 grams or Chicken Broth ½ Cup of Canola,Olive or 70 to 100 grams Sunflower Oil ¼ Cup of Sunflower or Pumpkin 20to 40 grams Seeds 1 Whole Egg 40 to 60 grams Powdered Xylitol 3 to 7grams Lecithin 0.75 to 1.25 grams aloe vera 0.3 to 0.7 grams CoenzymeQ10 50 to 150 milligrams Grape Seed Extract 0.3 to 0.7 grams

TABLE II Cat Treats 2 Cups Barley or Whole 250 to 400 grams Wheat FlourGround Chicken 75 to 100 grams 2 Whole Eggs 80 to 120 grams ⅛ teaspoonedible bone meal 0.25 to 0.7 grams ½ Cup Corn Meal 40 to 70 grams ½ CupRye or Soy Flour 250 to 400 grams ½ Cup Canola Oil 70 to 100 grams ½ CupWheat Germ 40 to 55 grams Ascorbic Acid 0.5 gram Taurine 0.5 gram 1¼Cups Distilled Water, 200 to 300 grams Chicken or Beef Broth PowderedXylitol 3 to 7 grams Lecithin 0.75 to 1.25 grams aloe vera 0.3 to 0.7grams Coenzyme Q10 50 to 150 milligrams Grape Seed Extract 0.3 to 0.7grams

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated another pet foodstuff 16, inaccordance with the present invention. Pet foodstuff 16 is in the formof a dog biscuit which is composed of a body 18, an adherent coating 20and a xylitol-containing coating 22. Body 18 can be produced in a mannersimilar to that used to produce body 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Adherentcoating 20 is provided to improve the adherence of xylitol-containingcoating 22 to body 18. Adherent coating 20 is comprised of a vegetablegum (or other suitable material), which has been applied to body 18 bybrushing, spraying, dipping or any other method known by those skilledin the art, and suitably dried. Any material that provides the desiredadherence for coating 22 can be utilized provided such material does notproduce any unwanted effect or is otherwise not suitable for ingestionby a pet.

Reference to FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the presentinvention, which is a pet foodstuff 24. Pet foodstuff 24 can be producedin a manner similar to that used to produce body 12 and contains xylitoldispersed throughout the bulk.

Xylitol-containing coating 14 is composed of xylitol and can be made asfollows:

E. Xylitol Coating or Filling Mixture

The Xylitol Coating mixture is to be used with the above biscuits andtreats and consists of seventy-five (75) to one hundred fifty (150)grams of xylitol, five (5) to fifteen (15) grams of gum arabic, and ten(10) to twenty-five (25) grams of water.

Reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a sandwich pet foodstuff 26, whichin this case is a dog biscuit, in accordance with the invention.Sandwich pet foodstuff 26 is composed of a solid body 28 and solid body30, both of baked farinaceous material, held together in substantialregistry by a xylitol-containing filling or layer 32. Body 28 and body30 of sandwich pet foodstuff 26 can be made in a manner similar to thatused to produce body 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Xylitol filling 32 consists ofxylitol, gum arabic and other ingredients and functions to permanentlybind or adhere together bodies 28 and 30 when layer 32 is substantiallydried or cured.

Reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a pocket pet foodstuff 34, whichin this case is a dog biscuit, in accordance with the invention. Pocketpet foodstuff 34 is composed of a solid body 36 of baked farinaceousmaterial, crimped on edges 38 around an enclosed xylitol center 40. Body36 of pocket pet foodstuff 34 can be made in a manner similar to thatused to produce body 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Xylitol-containing layer 32consists of xylitol, lactitol and other ingredients.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferredembodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it isto be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes,modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications andrearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of using a water soluble consumablemouthwash powder comprising an effective amount of xylitol to reduce theincidence of dental caries in non-human animals, comprising the steps ofadding the mouthwash powder to water; mixing the solution; and placingthe solution for the pet to drink.
 2. A method of reducing the incidenceof dental caries in non-human animals by orally administering aneffective amount of xylitol.
 3. A method of reducing the incidence ofdental plaque or tartar in non-human animals by orally administering aneffective amount of xylitol.
 4. A topical gel toothpaste comprisingessentially of a mixture of xylitol, lactitol and hydrogenated starchhydrolyzate syrup in an effective amount for dental caries prevention innon-human animals.
 5. An edible pet foodstuff for reducing the incidenceof caries comprising a hard solid edible body having xylitol dispersedin the solid body in an amount effective to reduce the incidence ofdental caries when chewed by a pet so that when the food is chewed by apet, the solid body breaks into smaller pieces and scrapes at built-upplaque and the xylitol comes into contact with the pet's teeth and gumsto reduce the incidence of dental caries.
 6. The foodstuff of claim 5wherein the xylitol is present in an amount of from about 0.25% to about2.5% by total weight of the foodstuff.
 7. The foodstuff of claim 5further comprising a coating comprising xylitol on the exterior of thesolid body.